Role of Portulaca Oleracea Extract to Mitigate Histological Alterations in the Liver and Kidneys Induced by the Depakine Drug in Male Rats

Abstract

Depakine (sodium valproate) (VPA) is the most widely used drug in the treatment of emotional and nervous depression, psychological disorders, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder. Liver and kidney toxicity is one of the confirmed side effects of Depakine. This study aims to identify the preventive effect of the aqueous extract of the Portulaca oleracea plant against oxidative damage induced by the Depakine drug. The study included 30 male laboratory rats divided into six groups. The results of the microscopic examination showed no pathological changes in the tissues of the liver and kidneys in the group treated with the preventive aqueous extract of the Portulaca oleracea plant, while the two groups treated with Depakine showed pathological changes represented by damage to the liver cells, Inflammatory cell infiltration, blood congestion, and shrinkage of the renal glomerulus, Degeneration of renal tubule endothelial cells. While it was observed that there was an improvement and repair in the liver and kidney tissues in the two groups treated with the preventive aqueous extract of the Portulaca oleracea plant with Depakine. This improvement is attributed to the fact that the Portulaca oleracea plant is rich in antioxidants such as gallotannin, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Antioxidants protect cells from damage by free radicals and oxidants.